Former Everton and Liverpool Star Gary Ablett Passes Away

Gary Ablett died yesterday after a 16-month battle with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

The ex-footballer, 46, was diagnosed with the form of blood cancer in 2010 while working as an assistant manager at Ipswich Town.

Several football stars have paid tribute to Ablett, who played for both Liverpool and Everton, winning the FA Cup with both clubs. Everton midfielder Tim Cahill tweeted:

Sad news about Gary Ablett rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to his family

Michael Owen, who played as a forward for Liverpool for eight years, said:

So sad to hear the news that Gary Ablett has passed away today aged 46. He played for some great clubs and had a career to be proud of. RIP

Ablett played as a defender throughout his 16-year career, during which he appeared 399 times for nine different clubs. Of those appearances, 237 came on Merseyside, with him making 109 appearances for Liverpool between 1985 and 1992, and 128 between 1992 and '96 for Everton.